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Guest Book

“We had a wonderful trip and really enjoyed our stay here celebrating our 20th anniversary. Even though we have been visiting the area for years, this is the first time I we have really felt welcomed as visitors instead of just tourists. We met so many people at yoga classes in Mendocino and Fort Bragg, and at a tango event in the nearby town of Caspar, and saw many of them again around town. We like to return from our trips healthier than when we left, and this was perfect for the purpose. We cooked most of our meals in the well appointed kitchen, got plenty of rest on the very plush bed, and lots of excercise on the trails in Van Damme State Park (an easy walk from the house) as well as other beautiful walks in the area. We did eat out a couple of times and highly recommend our favorite restaurant, The Ravens at the Stanford Inn nearby. Check out the organic gardens on that property. Ask at the front desk for the schedule of yoga classes that are open to anyone, and very affordable. We had a lovely time, and will return again soon.” – S & C, Pacifica, CA

“WOW!!! A treasure in the woods and only a few miles from the ocean. When you walk in the doors, you’ll say WOW! I’d rate it 8 stars as a VRBO rating, if I could. If you want to stay in a gorgeous, quiet, affordable, well-appointed retreat, minutes from Mendocino, Little River, Albion, etc, this is where you want to stay. The Red Barn Retreat was built by the owners who live on site. They are two of the nicest people you’ll meet. The attention to detail for your comfort and enjoyment shows everywhere you want it to be in a temporary home. It looks better than the beautiful photos can show. It’s located a little inland, tucked into the surrounding pygmy forest. It was the perfect place to retreat from city life and make my home while visiting the area. They built and furnished this place to impeccable standards. From the heated concrete floors,and cordless window shades, to the deep, deep modern tub, to the gorgeous farm table, to the well stocked, well labeled kitchen, I enjoyed all of it so much. It made my life easy, as a vacation rental should, and you would do well to stay here. The longer, the better, in my opinion. There is a cushiony queen bed in the bedroom with a large armoire for clothing and a futon in the living room for extra sleepers. The big screen TV has DVD use only and no cable TV so if you want to watch something in particular, you might want to bring your DVDs, though they do have a selection there and you can rent in town. I preferred not turning on the TV and just enjoying the quiet. There is a private, fenced-in outdoor yard with table and umbrella where you can enjoy morning tea or coffee or an afternoon read. It was like being in a 4-5 star hotel for me. Much better in so many ways because I prefer quiet and to make some of my own meals. The stove is gas (for those who like me, prefer to cook with gas heating) and there is even an oven, unlike some other rentals. I have been to 4-5 other places in the area, but was drawn to make my stay here this time and I am so fortunate I did. The owners are fabulous, warm people who will make sure your stay here fits your needs. The Red Barn Retreat is a retreat of high quality and I loved staying here and would do so again in a heartbeat! So thankful for this option in the Mendocino area. Red Barn Retreat is now my number one recommendation for all of my friends and family who want to visit the region.– C F, Escondido, CA

“My husband and I (and our two boys) LOVE The Red Barn!!!! It’s the perfect vacation retreat, so relaxing and beautiful! Super classy and clean. The kitchen that is fully accommodating, had everything we needed. Luxurious linens on the bed, I didn’t want to crawl out of it in the morning. Awesome little patio and yard with great privacy… We will be back every year!!” – M S, Walla Walla, WA

“What a lovely and restful Mendocino weekend in the Red Barn Cottage. Thank you Gabi and Richard, for your hospitality. We look forward to returning soon to meander Fern Canyon and wander the Coast.” – J A, Berkeley, CA

“We were so thrilled to find this peaceful private cottage on the North Coast. The architecture is beautiful- rustic but elegant. You can see so much loving care and thought in all the details. The location is ideal for a sunny peaceful spot away from tourists. Very cozy bed and we loved the living room/ den for curling up with movies at night. Kitchen is beautifully appointed. The oversize bath tub is a dream. Very private entrance through a charming garden. Extremely well priced given all the space and the high end furnishings. We plan to return every chance we get to travel to the coast.” – M J, Santa Barbara, CA

“These last few days have been relaxing! It is beautiful and peaceful here. Thank you Gabi and Richard for making us feel so comfortable and well cared for. We have felt very much at home. You have created a warm and inviting space that truly is a retreat. We hope to stay again soon.” – C F, Healdsburg, CA

“Thank you so much for sharing your lovely home with us. Everything is beautiful! We look forward to staying here again.” – D R, Glendale, CA

“The Red Barn Cottage was so restful. We had a very nice weekend. Thank you.” – M M

“Thank you so much for making our family feel so welcome and special. Your retreat home is absolutely perfect with all necessary living essentials carefully thought out! We have enjoyed our mini-vacation and will be sure to recommend you to our friends! Gabi and Richard – you have a beautiful home! Thank you again” – B B, Rocklin, CA

“We had an amazing weekend – very cozy and private! We will come back thank you so much!” – MM, Vacaville, CA

“We had a lovely, relaxing stay. Thanks Gabi and Richard for all your advice about the local area too. We especially enjoyed the Fern Canyon walk! We hope to make it back for a longer stay next time!” – T D , Canberra, Australia

“Thank you so much for the lovely warm welcome! This is a beautiful home in an ideal location. We all enjoyed our stay very much and plan on staying again!” – A & L, Austin, TX

“We enjoyed an incredibly peaceful stay at the Red Barn Retreat! Nothing has been missed by the owners who have meticulously stocked the cottage with conveniences. It was clean, bright, comfortable and well organized (even the kitchen cabinets are beautiful to look at – inside!). On our next visit we will make time for a massage treatment… another plus for this gem on the coast.” – AT, Bend, OR

“Red Barn Retreat is so tranquil. Such a special place to spend our twenty-seventh wedding anniversary. We hiked nine miles through Van Damme State Park and Pygmy Forest on a beautiful blue sky sunny day. Amazing.” – L & B, Arcata, CA

“Gabi and Richard, thank you so much for the lovely and comfortable accommodations. Our family had a wonderful and relaxing time exploring the coastal treasures and the peace of this beautiful retreat. You truly have created a nirvana.” – K T, Elk Grove, CA

“Gabi and Richard, I could not have found a better place to spend my 50th Birthday. I think I did it all while here and enjoyed all of the wonderful sea trails, bike trails, river trails and beaches that this area has to offer. You both are such wonderful hosts. I hope to return again.” – B S, Sacramento, CA

“What a warm and wonderful retreat. Stone, dark wood, rich furnishings, soft bed, and a shower like rain. We were so lucky to find you. Saw all of those ocean front hotels with the great views, and simply couldn’t wait to get back to our cozy retreat in Little River. They don’t hold a candle to you.” – T & A, San Anselmo, CA

“Gabi and Richard, thanks for the immaculate and charming Red Barn. Our stay was better than the expectations. Many hikes in Van Damme, Russian Gulch and Pygmy Forest. Gorgeous misty mornings and great food from several local restaurants. Try the hidden Garden Bakery’s cinnamon rolls – yummy. We hope to return some day.” -C & J, Florida

“Gabi and Richard thank you so much for a wonderful stay in Little River – this place is just perfect. The Fern Canyon Trail is breathtaking. The area and the silence are just perfect to relax and enjoy nature. Hope we come back soon.” -N & C, Sacramento, CA